Valia replied.
“…Thank you, Sir Robin.”
She was scheduled to leave for the Marquisate of Garth tomorrow. Even though the southernmost part of the Empire was quite far from the capital, the use of the road warp would significantly reduce travel time.
“Another road warp was built near the castle?”
“Yes, Madam. It’s His Grace’s order. I received a report earlier that the sorcerers had completed the road warp. If you leave tomorrow, I think you’ll arrive at the castle in about a day.”
“…”
Valia blinked upon hearing Paul’s words. Road warps were a means of connecting either the territory, the capital, or between countries. They could be located anywhere in the Empire’s major territory. And they were made by bringing in sorcerers and were operated purely by sorcerers to be precise.
However, the sorcerers basically belonged to the country. If the road warp was not judged a necessity and was deliberately kept by the country, and was instead made purely for personal convenience, then the lord of the territory would have to pay a jaw-dropping amount of money to the country. Schuden used that large amount of money as if it was nothing. It was purely for Valia’s comfortable trip.
‘As expected, my liege thinks of Madam a lot.’
Robin’s eyes were glistening next to Valia. Since he and he alone had been entrusted to be the escort of the Madam—someone his liege considered very important, at that—he must risk his life to escort her. Robin’s spirit was even more fired up.
The next day, a long procession began from Garth’s manor in the capital. Their destination was the Marquisate in the south; the old castle of Garth that had been closed for several years since Schuden was conferred as the Marquess.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
‘The wind feels cozy.’
As the doctor said, the weather at the Marquisate of Garth was mild.
The season in the capital was already passing late autumn. However, perhaps it was because the Marquisate was in the south, but the sun was warm and the wind was soft. Valia liked the sun that tickled her cheeks. She felt like her shivering body was already recovering.
“Madam, we have arrived at the castle.”
Valia prepared to get off as soon as she heard Paul. Robin held her hand and naturally escorted her. Valia got off the carriage holding the young knight’s hand and opened her eyes wide.
“Wow…”
A much larger castle than what she vaguely expected was in front of her. Could a noble family’s castle be this big? It was not just big in size. The spacious castle looked so extravagant that it could be considered out of the ordinary.
Expensive marble statues filled the yard. And a golden leaf was finely embedded in each rim of the large windows, with the window easily exceeding Valia’s height.
Valia had never seen a castle that showed off its splendor like this. Even Gel’s Imperial Palace had a more elegant style than this.
‘Now I know it’s not his cup of tea.’
Schuden was already a distinguished man without needing to show it off. First of all, he had a more beautiful and handsome face than any other man in high society, second, he had an overwhelming atmosphere that seemed to weigh on the surroundings even if he just stayed still. Perhaps that was why Schuden did not take pleasure in showing off or in bragging about himself.
“Greetings to Lady Garth.”
Sarah and the other employees were already out at the door.
“It’s been a while since I saw you, Sarah.”
“I’m glad you look alright, Madam. How was your trip?”
“It was okay. Can I go in?”
“Of course, Madam.”
Valia entered the castle, ushered by Sarah.
The experienced housekeeper had worked hard to clean up with the employees, and as a result, the castle had been neatly set in order. As she looked at the interior, adorned with golden silk tapestries swung from wall to wall, Valia thought.
‘At this rate, I think gold will go up on the table instead of bread.’
Of course, Valia was also an ordinary person who liked gold. However, there should be moderation in everything. At least, the bedroom had a similar atmosphere to the capital’s manor, as Sarah had prepared new furniture, wallpaper, and flooring.
“We didn’t have enough time so we haven’t cleaned it up completely yet, Madam.”
“It’s surprising enough that you have done this much in just a few days. You have worked hard, Sarah. The yard is also neatly trimmed.”
Sarah blushed at Valia’s compliment. However, she had no intention to steal someone else’s thunder. It was not her that did the trimming, but the remaining gardeners who managed the yard and the backyard of the old and long-neglected castle.
“There are still gardeners left?”
“Yes. His Grace left only the gardeners when he sorted out the employees of the castle.”
“Please tell them that they did a good job.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Sarah politely bowed and went out. Valia sat alone and tilted her head.
‘…He only left the gardeners?’
Valia knew that Schuden had sorted out all those employees. However, she could not guess why he only left the gardeners. Schuden had never paid much attention to the yard or backyard when it came to the manor at the capital, after all.
Valia drank tea, thinking that she should call the gardeners later.
“Madam, this is Paul. I have something to tell you.”
“Come on in.”
Paul walked in and bowed his head.
“What’s going on?”
“Actually, there’s a guest that’s been waiting for you in the castle for a while.”
“…Guest?”
This was the first time Valia came to the Marquisate. Let alone acquaintances, she had never even met the nobles in the Marquisate. Unless Valia invited them first, nobles who were Garth’s vassals could not come to visit her first. Valia spoke with a curious look.
“I have a guest?”
“He said he knew you, Madam.”
“Is he a noble from the Marquisate?”
“No, Madam.”
Valia tilted her head. As a skillful general butler, Paul usually would say neatly and accurately about who was coming from which family and for what purpose. He would not say something ambiguous like he was doing now.
The general butler, whose hair was turning gray, had a polite face as usual. Valia thought his attitude was strange, but for now, she responded.
“Let him in.”
“Yes, madam. Bring him here.”
And a while later, surprise spread to the silvery-gray eyes after seeing a man who came in at the guidance of the servant. Paul said to the man.
“Say your greetings. She is Marchioness Garth.”
An elderly man well past his middle age and was already entering his twilight years walked in. Despite his age, he had the unique vigor and health of a mercenary who fought for a living. The old man with white hair quickly bowed his head.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Marchioness Garth.”
“…Grandfather?”
Valia muttered in a puzzled voice. Despite giving his greetings according to etiquette, Carl was surprised and lifted his head. Even though she did not hear it, she felt like Carl was nagging her; ‘Valia, you brat! I told you not to call me that outside!’
Valia blinked and looked away. The daze that she had just now disappeared quickly. All that was left was an extremely aristocratic face.
“Paul.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Was it you who brought this man?”
“That’s right, Madam. I brought him to the Marquisate.”
Valia did not ask how he ended up bringing Carl. She was glad to meet her grandfather unexpectedly but there was a problem that she had to point out.
“Why didn’t you tell me in advance?”
Her voice was calm and her silvery-gray eyes were composed but the meaning contained clear reprimand. No matter how well-meant it was, guests visiting the manor and castle were the domain and authority of the lady of the house. Not telling Valia was a clear mistake. In some cases, it could have been said that the general butler exceeded authority. Paul bowed his head.
“I didn’t think this through, Madam.”
“This is your first time, so I will just move on. But be careful not to let this happen in the future.”
“I will keep that in mind. Thank you for your generous disposition, Madam.”
Valia relaxed her expression as though that was enough. She was neither angry nor offended. She only said what she had to as the lady of the house. Since Paul was a skilled general butler, he immediately realized Valia’s meaning.
“Have you prepared a room for him?”
“Yes. We have prepared the best room in the annex.”
Valia nodded. She believed Paul would have prepared well on his own.
“Since I have a guest, I should have tea time.”
“I will get ready right away, Madam. However, since you’re not feeling well yet, why don’t you go to the drawing-room in the main building rather than the annex.”
“Sure, get ready.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The maid standing behind Paul brought a shawl and put it around Valia’s shoulder. Valia adjusted her shawl and made a sign with her eyes to Carl. After standing while walking on eggshells until then, he quickly followed Valia and Paul.
The castle was much larger and more magnificent than the manor in the capital. There were more than dozens of drawing-rooms on the first floor of the main building. The walls and floors were plastered in gold, making the eyes dizzy. Moreover, the pillars were purple and violet. There was nothing to say. It flashed so much that it felt unrealistic. Valia vowed to rip off this burdensome, fancy castle starting from tomorrow and fix it right away.
The drawing-room was already prepared for tea time. The seat was heated up with a warm water bag and the room temperature was warmed up with a brazier for the lady who had not yet completely recovered from the flu. Valia, who sat first with the help of the maid, raised her hand and offered Carl a seat.
“To your seat.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you.”
Carl hesitantly sat across from Valia. Tea with dried lemon slices and soft cookies were served on the table with rose vases. It was a refreshment prepared out of consideration for the elderly Carl.
When Valia lifted her teacup first, Carl also read the room and lifted his. The warm tea tasted sweet enough but Carl was not sure if the tea went into his nose or mouth.
“How do you like the tea?”
‘There she goes again!’
Carl opened his eyes wide. Valia was the only remaining member of the House of Dean and was recognized as a noble under the national law of Lisa Kingdom. However, since she was a fallen noble, it was okay for her to speak formally to the commoners depending on the situation. But now she was the Marchioness of the Gel Empire. Regardless of gender or age, high-ranking nobles should speak informally to the commoners.
Why would a high-ranking noblewoman speak formally to a commoner man? The common laws were consistent and strict throughout the whole continent.
“Grandfather?”
When Carl did not answer her, Valia asked him again.
How could she call me grandfather?
Carl was about to have trouble breathing. Along with the general butler, four employees were quietly standing in the drawing-room. Eventually, Carl gritted his teeth hard and said.
“…don caw me ike dah, Makionesh Garh. (Don’t call me like that, Marchioness Garth.)”
Valia was not someone who would make such a mistake outside so Carl did not know why she did that. Seeing that Carl could not bear to say it and just nagged at her with all kinds of facial expressions, Valia eventually burst into laughter. If she did any more than this, she thought it would strain Carl’s heart. She said to Paul with a smile.
“Everyone is dismissed. I haven’t seen him in a long time, so I have a lot to talk with him in comfort.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Paul bowed his head to Valia and bowed politely to Carl. So did the other employees. Carl became puzzled when he saw them treating him with an attitude toward the lady of the house’s relative.
Valia laughed internally and grabbed the warm water bag. The warmth spread pleasantly, just as the door of the drawing-room closed smoothly.
They were left alone in the drawing-room. Valia said.
“You can speak comfortably here, grandfather.”
“…Huh? Is that so?”
Valia replied.
“…Thank you, Sir Robin.”
She was scheduled to leave for the Marquisate of Garth tomorrow. Even though the southernmost part of the Empire was quite far from the capital, the use of the road warp would significantly reduce travel time.
“Another road warp was built near the castle?”
“Yes, Madam. It’s His Grace’s order. I received a report earlier that the sorcerers had completed the road warp. If you leave tomorrow, I think you’ll arrive at the castle in about a day.”
“…”
Valia blinked upon hearing Paul’s words. Road warps were a means of connecting either the territory, the capital, or between countries. They could be located anywhere in the Empire’s major territory. And they were made by bringing in sorcerers and were operated purely by sorcerers to be precise.
However, the sorcerers basically belonged to the country. If the road warp was not judged a necessity and was deliberately kept by the country, and was instead made purely for personal convenience, then the lord of the territory would have to pay a jaw-dropping amount of money to the country. Schuden used that large amount of money as if it was nothing. It was purely for Valia’s comfortable trip.
‘As expected, my liege thinks of Madam a lot.’
Robin’s eyes were glistening next to Valia. Since he and he alone had been entrusted to be the escort of the Madam—someone his liege considered very important, at that—he must risk his life to escort her. Robin’s spirit was even more fired up.
The next day, a long procession began from Garth’s manor in the capital. Their destination was the Marquisate in the south; the old castle of Garth that had been closed for several years since Schuden was conferred as the Marquess.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
‘The wind feels cozy.’
As the doctor said, the weather at the Marquisate of Garth was mild.
The season in the capital was already passing late autumn. However, perhaps it was because the Marquisate was in the south, but the sun was warm and the wind was soft. Valia liked the sun that tickled her cheeks. She felt like her shivering body was already recovering.
“Madam, we have arrived at the castle.”
Valia prepared to get off as soon as she heard Paul. Robin held her hand and naturally escorted her. Valia got off the carriage holding the young knight’s hand and opened her eyes wide.
“Wow…”
A much larger castle than what she vaguely expected was in front of her. Could a noble family’s castle be this big? It was not just big in size. The spacious castle looked so extravagant that it could be considered out of the ordinary.
Expensive marble statues filled the yard. And a golden leaf was finely embedded in each rim of the large windows, with the window easily exceeding Valia’s height.
Valia had never seen a castle that showed off its splendor like this. Even Gel’s Imperial Palace had a more elegant style than this.
‘Now I know it’s not his cup of tea.’
Schuden was already a distinguished man without needing to show it off. First of all, he had a more beautiful and handsome face than any other man in high society, second, he had an overwhelming atmosphere that seemed to weigh on the surroundings even if he just stayed still. Perhaps that was why Schuden did not take pleasure in showing off or in bragging about himself.
“Greetings to Lady Garth.”
Sarah and the other employees were already out at the door.
“It’s been a while since I saw you, Sarah.”
“I’m glad you look alright, Madam. How was your trip?”
“It was okay. Can I go in?”
“Of course, Madam.”
Valia entered the castle, ushered by Sarah.
The experienced housekeeper had worked hard to clean up with the employees, and as a result, the castle had been neatly set in order. As she looked at the interior, adorned with golden silk tapestries swung from wall to wall, Valia thought.
‘At this rate, I think gold will go up on the table instead of bread.’
Of course, Valia was also an ordinary person who liked gold. However, there should be moderation in everything. At least, the bedroom had a similar atmosphere to the capital’s manor, as Sarah had prepared new furniture, wallpaper, and flooring.
“We didn’t have enough time so we haven’t cleaned it up completely yet, Madam.”
“It’s surprising enough that you have done this much in just a few days. You have worked hard, Sarah. The yard is also neatly trimmed.”
Sarah blushed at Valia’s compliment. However, she had no intention to steal someone else’s thunder. It was not her that did the trimming, but the remaining gardeners who managed the yard and the backyard of the old and long-neglected castle.
“There are still gardeners left?”
“Yes. His Grace left only the gardeners when he sorted out the employees of the castle.”
“Please tell them that they did a good job.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Sarah politely bowed and went out. Valia sat alone and tilted her head.
‘…He only left the gardeners?’
Valia knew that Schuden had sorted out all those employees. However, she could not guess why he only left the gardeners. Schuden had never paid much attention to the yard or backyard when it came to the manor at the capital, after all.
Valia drank tea, thinking that she should call the gardeners later.
“Madam, this is Paul. I have something to tell you.”
“Come on in.”
Paul walked in and bowed his head.
“What’s going on?”
“Actually, there’s a guest that’s been waiting for you in the castle for a while.”
“…Guest?”
This was the first time Valia came to the Marquisate. Let alone acquaintances, she had never even met the nobles in the Marquisate. Unless Valia invited them first, nobles who were Garth’s vassals could not come to visit her first. Valia spoke with a curious look.
“I have a guest?”
“He said he knew you, Madam.”
“Is he a noble from the Marquisate?”
“No, Madam.”
Valia tilted her head. As a skillful general butler, Paul usually would say neatly and accurately about who was coming from which family and for what purpose. He would not say something ambiguous like he was doing now.
The general butler, whose hair was turning gray, had a polite face as usual. Valia thought his attitude was strange, but for now, she responded.
“Let him in.”
“Yes, madam. Bring him here.”
And a while later, surprise spread to the silvery-gray eyes after seeing a man who came in at the guidance of the servant. Paul said to the man.
“Say your greetings. She is Marchioness Garth.”
An elderly man well past his middle age and was already entering his twilight years walked in. Despite his age, he had the unique vigor and health of a mercenary who fought for a living. The old man with white hair quickly bowed his head.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Marchioness Garth.”
“…Grandfather?”
Valia muttered in a puzzled voice. Despite giving his greetings according to etiquette, Carl was surprised and lifted his head. Even though she did not hear it, she felt like Carl was nagging her; ‘Valia, you brat! I told you not to call me that outside!’
Valia blinked and looked away. The daze that she had just now disappeared quickly. All that was left was an extremely aristocratic face.
“Paul.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Was it you who brought this man?”
“That’s right, Madam. I brought him to the Marquisate.”
Valia did not ask how he ended up bringing Carl. She was glad to meet her grandfather unexpectedly but there was a problem that she had to point out.
“Why didn’t you tell me in advance?”
Her voice was calm and her silvery-gray eyes were composed but the meaning contained clear reprimand. No matter how well-meant it was, guests visiting the manor and castle were the domain and authority of the lady of the house. Not telling Valia was a clear mistake. In some cases, it could have been said that the general butler exceeded authority. Paul bowed his head.
“I didn’t think this through, Madam.”
“This is your first time, so I will just move on. But be careful not to let this happen in the future.”
“I will keep that in mind. Thank you for your generous disposition, Madam.”
Valia relaxed her expression as though that was enough. She was neither angry nor offended. She only said what she had to as the lady of the house. Since Paul was a skilled general butler, he immediately realized Valia’s meaning.
“Have you prepared a room for him?”
“Yes. We have prepared the best room in the annex.”
Valia nodded. She believed Paul would have prepared well on his own.
“Since I have a guest, I should have tea time.”
“I will get ready right away, Madam. However, since you’re not feeling well yet, why don’t you go to the drawing-room in the main building rather than the annex.”
“Sure, get ready.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The maid standing behind Paul brought a shawl and put it around Valia’s shoulder. Valia adjusted her shawl and made a sign with her eyes to Carl. After standing while walking on eggshells until then, he quickly followed Valia and Paul.
The castle was much larger and more magnificent than the manor in the capital. There were more than dozens of drawing-rooms on the first floor of the main building. The walls and floors were plastered in gold, making the eyes dizzy. Moreover, the pillars were purple and violet. There was nothing to say. It flashed so much that it felt unrealistic. Valia vowed to rip off this burdensome, fancy castle starting from tomorrow and fix it right away.
The drawing-room was already prepared for tea time. The seat was heated up with a warm water bag and the room temperature was warmed up with a brazier for the lady who had not yet completely recovered from the flu. Valia, who sat first with the help of the maid, raised her hand and offered Carl a seat.
“To your seat.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you.”
Carl hesitantly sat across from Valia. Tea with dried lemon slices and soft cookies were served on the table with rose vases. It was a refreshment prepared out of consideration for the elderly Carl.
When Valia lifted her teacup first, Carl also read the room and lifted his. The warm tea tasted sweet enough but Carl was not sure if the tea went into his nose or mouth.
“How do you like the tea?”
‘There she goes again!’
Carl opened his eyes wide. Valia was the only remaining member of the House of Dean and was recognized as a noble under the national law of Lisa Kingdom. However, since she was a fallen noble, it was okay for her to speak formally to the commoners depending on the situation. But now she was the Marchioness of the Gel Empire. Regardless of gender or age, high-ranking nobles should speak informally to the commoners.
Why would a high-ranking noblewoman speak formally to a commoner man? The common laws were consistent and strict throughout the whole continent.
“Grandfather?”
When Carl did not answer her, Valia asked him again.
How could she call me grandfather?
Carl was about to have trouble breathing. Along with the general butler, four employees were quietly standing in the drawing-room. Eventually, Carl gritted his teeth hard and said.
“…don caw me ike dah, Makionesh Garh. (Don’t call me like that, Marchioness Garth.)”
Valia was not someone who would make such a mistake outside so Carl did not know why she did that. Seeing that Carl could not bear to say it and just nagged at her with all kinds of facial expressions, Valia eventually burst into laughter. If she did any more than this, she thought it would strain Carl’s heart. She said to Paul with a smile.
“Everyone is dismissed. I haven’t seen him in a long time, so I have a lot to talk with him in comfort.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Paul bowed his head to Valia and bowed politely to Carl. So did the other employees. Carl became puzzled when he saw them treating him with an attitude toward the lady of the house’s relative.
Valia laughed internally and grabbed the warm water bag. The warmth spread pleasantly, just as the door of the drawing-room closed smoothly.
They were left alone in the drawing-room. Valia said.
“You can speak comfortably here, grandfather.”
“…Huh? Is that so?”
